Amber Brown Is Not a Crayon: The Graphic Novel

"Ying's adaptation is faithful to the original book, keeping the same emotional honesty and humor that have delighted Danziger's readers for decades."

Paula Danziger's beloved Amber Brown books are now being adapted into graphic novels, with this book the first in the series that's sure to follow. Since the original books have sold millions of copies and been adapted into a television show, it's not surprising to see them now come out in the ever-popular graphic novel format.

The book opens with Amber's third-grade class preparing for their field trip to China. Their teacher, Mr. Cohen, is the able pilot, guiding his students in imaginative, fun ways.

"We watched a film about China, and now we're making postcards to send as if we really went."

While making the postcards, the reader is introduced to Amber's best friend, Justin, and we learn that this close connection is about to be broken since Justin's dad has a new job in a different state.

"I know how Justin feels about missing his father. When my parents got a divorce, my dad moved far away, to another country. I never get to see him and he hardly ever calls."

The impending move and Justin's departure are the core of the story as Amber wrestles with her best friend leaving. Ying's adaptation is faithful to the original book, keeping the same emotional honesty and humor that have delighted Danziger's readers for decades. She also stays true to Amber's distinctive voice:

"I, Amber Brown, am definitely one very unhappy human being."

While writing postcards may seem outdated, Ying brings the series into present day by adding contemporary touches. As Amber thinks about how she can still be friends with Justin, she decides "I'll add him to my favorites on video calls."

The emotional core of the book needs no such updating. Danziger understood kids and presented their world vividly in a way that continues to resonate.

So why the adaptation? The graphic novel format is shorter and more accessible for reluctant readers. It also provides a stepping-stone to the original books with their greater depth, while in no way replacing those stories.